New form of sea defence set to save dozens of family homes on Dublin coast

An innovative approach to coastal defense is slated for Ireland’s north Dublin coastline, where rising sea levels and increasingly frequent storms threaten homes and infrastructure. Fingal County Council is preparing to implement a first-of-its-kind sea defense system utilizing enormous, Y-shaped concrete structures – known as fishtail groynes – along a 1.3km stretch of the Burrow peninsula near Portrane.

A Growing Coastal Crisis

The need for intervention has become critical due to significant coastal erosion in recent years. One house has already been lost to the sea, and others are at risk of collapse. The council previously installed concrete armor as a temporary measure, but officials believe a permanent solution is necessary to protect the area’s residents and coastline.

Did You Know? The planned project represents an investment of between €30 million and €35 million by Fingal County Council.

How the Groynes Will Work

The fishtail groynes, each approximately 70 meters long, will be buried under the sand at the beach end and spaced about 135 meters apart. According to Kevin Halpenny, landscape officer for the council, these structures are designed to “manage the energy of storms and waves coming in from the sea” and have proven effective in other parts of Europe, including Clacton-on-Sea in England.

The system is intended to provide permanent protection against both storms and tidal surges. Minister for Climate Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin Boxer Moran recently visited the site to announce the project’s progression to the planning stage.

Expert Insight: The decision to invest in this technology signals a growing recognition of the escalating challenges posed by coastal erosion and the need for proactive, long-term solutions. The fact that Here’s the first implementation in Ireland suggests a potential shift in how the country approaches coastal management.

Looking Ahead

The application for the project will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála, the planning body, this week. Mayor of Fingal Tom O’Leary emphasized the necessity of the project, citing a cost-benefit analysis that supported its implementation to protect over 60 families. He recounted witnessing the devastating impact of erosion firsthand, including residents losing land and homes.

Minister Moran indicated that coastal protection and flooding are likely to become increasingly significant issues for Ireland in the future, potentially requiring similar systems along other vulnerable stretches of the Irish coast. A possible next step would be further assessments of coastal vulnerability across the country to identify areas where this technology, or similar solutions, could be applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is causing the coastal erosion?

An increase in the frequency of easterly storms over recent years has led to significant coastal erosion in the area.

What are fishtail groynes?

Fishtail groynes are large concrete structures shaped like a Y. They extend outwards to sea and are designed to manage wave and storm energy.

Has this technology been used elsewhere?

A similar system has worked effectively in Clacton-on-Sea on the Essex coast in England.

As coastal communities worldwide grapple with the effects of climate change and rising sea levels, what innovative solutions might offer the best long-term protection for vulnerable shorelines?

New form of sea defence set to save dozens of family homes on Dublin coast – The Irish Times